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Papa John’s Award-Winning Franchisee Continues to Grow

10 September 2019

Abid Hussain joined Papa John’s in 2013.   Before becoming a franchisee, Abid worked in advertising and marketing in London and was a consultant in a web firm.  He now runs six Papa John’s with the help of his team, with further plans to expand as the right sites become available.   Abid was recently named as Papa John’s UK Franchise Owner of the Year (for five stores or less) for 2018.

“After working in an office, Papa John’s was certainly something a bit different!” explains Abid.  “I was looking for a new challenge and a friend of mine ran a Papa John’s store.  I did some research and thought buying a franchise could be a great move for me – it was!   Initially, I became a partner in the Taunton Papa John’s, run by my cousin, where I learned more about the company and how the stores operated.  I took over the store in 2013.

“At first, as you can imagine, running any new business is challenging.  There is a lot to take in.  Fortunately, the team on the ground were really good and this enabled me to find out all I needed to know.  With support and training from Head Office, I was able to improve sales and soon I bought two new franchised Papa John’s in Eastleigh and Fareham.

“I used my marketing know-how for digital campaigns and leafleting and some direct mail too.  The staff were well trained and customer service prioritised and soon sales started to grow.   I now run six Papa John’s and am about to open a seventh in Sunbury-on-Thames.  However, my success wouldn’t be possible without my staff.   I have area and store managers who are great and the team behind each of them ensures we deliver fabulous service and top-quality pizza every time. 

“Motivating staff and ensuring they have what they need in terms of equipment plus good training is key to keeping the best people.  I am proud that all my managers have been with me since I joined Papa John’s and we have grown the business together.  I know that if my people are happy then so are our customers: it makes good business sense. 

“Recently, I was amazed to be named as Papa John’s UK Franchise Owner of the Year (for five stores or less)!  The award was announced at Papa John’s biggest ever UK franchise conference held in Birmingham.  I wasn’t expecting to win an award at all!  However, it is a team effort and I couldn’t do it without my great people.  Being recognised in this way was tremendously motivating for the whole team who ‘make it happen’.

“I have plans to open several more stores in the future so am looking forward to growing my portfolio of outlets with the help of my great team plus the support of Papa John’s right behind us.”

Papa John’s is actively recruiting for more enthusiastic franchisees hungry for success.

As one of the largest pizza companies in the world, Papa John’s has opportunities for franchisees throughout the UK.  Help is provided with location selection and full turn-key opening of stores.  As a franchise, the Company supplies all the assistance needed to get your successful Papa John’s up and running. 


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